If you're planning an extended leave of absence from work, there's more to do more than fill out a vacation request form. Sit down with your supervisor and explain the reasons you'd like time off for long-term travel, how you can work together to keep the company running smoothly during the leave and how the time off benefits the company. Remember, this is a negotiation, not a company benefit that you're entitled to automatically. Sell your reasons, then wait for approval from the company.

Schedule a meeting with your supervisor. This type of request isn't a five minute conversation that occurs on a whim. Your supervisor should know the topic of the meeting, so he can prepare questions just as you've prepared reasons he should grant the time off.

Present your reasons for the long-term travel. State if its related to a family issue or emergency. Sell why the time off will benefit the company in the long run if your trip is simply for pleasure. Explain you need time to get rejuvenated or will learn new skills on the trip so you can perform at a higher level upon your return.

Leverage your negotiation by offering to work on-call during the trip. By taking a laptop, smartphone or personal digital assistant on your travels, you can keep touch with the office. Answering basic questions or maintaining a company blog is simple when traveling in areas with Wi-Fi access.

Help locate your replacement. Offer to train a temp employee, groom a co-worker for your key duties or spend extra hours delegating your tasks to other employees before you leave.

Talk about salary and company benefits. During an extended leave, your company may legally dismiss and re-hire you upon your return to work. Explain you understand the leave won't be paid, but question your health and life insurance coverage. You need to know if your leave will affect your enrollment in company benefits.

Give your supervisor ample time to make his decision. Standard vacation requests are usually submitted a minimum of two weeks in advance. Give your employer at least a two-month notice if you plan to be off for a month or more during your long-term travel.

Tip

After the meeting, write a formal time-off request letter noting the accommodations agreed upon during the meeting. The letter will serve as proof of changes in salary, benefits or job duties during the leave of absence.

Warning

If you're not granted the leave of absence for travel purposes, have a plan in place.